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Introduction
Rib pain that throbs on the sides and makes breathing difficult—this condition that can hamper daily activities is experienced by many people. Rib pain typically develops from a combination of factors including intercostal nerve irritation, muscle tension, poor postural habits, and stress. Fortunately, Traditional Chinese Medicine has long provided effective acupoints that can relieve this pain. In particular, five acupoints that can be easily stimulated at home promote blood circulation and help relax muscles, providing immediate relief. Self-care that you can do with your own hands without medication—let’s begin.
Five Effective Acupoints for Rib Pain
1. BL17 (Diaphragm Shu)
Location: Below the 7th thoracic vertebra, approximately 1.5-2cm to the sides of the spine
How to locate: Feel the lower edge of the rib cage below the epigastrium, then find the area next to the spine at that height.
Acupressure technique: Use both thumbs to simultaneously stimulate both sides of the spine, pressing and releasing for 3-5 seconds repeatedly, or massage in circular motions. Start with gentle pressure and gradually increase the intensity.
Benefits: BL17 is known as “the connecting point of the thorax” and is a primary acupoint for relieving chest pain, cough, and digestive discomfort. It effectively improves breathing difficulties and chest tightness caused by rib pain.
2. LV14 (Cycle Gate)
Location: Below the 6th rib, at the level of the nipple line (directly below the nipple)
How to locate: When your arm is at your side, find the space between the ribs at the height of your nipple.
Acupressure technique: Gently massage in circular motions with four fingers, or repeatedly press with your thumb for 3-5 seconds. Avoid excessive pressure and exhale deeply as you proceed.
Benefits: As an important acupoint on the Liver meridian, it directly alleviates pain in the sides and around the ribs. It also relieves muscle tension caused by stress, providing comprehensive pain improvement.
3. LV13 (Bamboo Gate)
Location: At the end of the 11th rib, on the midaxillary line (the vertical line where the arm meets the body when lowered)
How to locate: When you raise your arm to the side, find the end of the longest rib—this is LV13.
Acupressure technique: Slowly press with your thumb or middle finger, holding the pressure for 3-5 seconds before releasing. It’s most effective to press while exhaling.
Benefits: It strengthens spleen function and relieves the uncomfortable sensation and pain below the sides of the rib cage. It brings immediate relief, especially when lower rib pain is severe.
4. BL18 (Liver Shu)
Location: Below the 9th thoracic vertebra, approximately 1.5-2cm to the sides of the spine
How to locate: Follow the lower edge of the rib cage and feel along the side of the spine to find BL18.
Acupressure technique: Similar to BL17, simultaneously stimulate both sides of the spine with both thumbs, or perform rolling massage with a massage stick.
Benefits: It strengthens liver function and relieves muscle tension caused by stress. It’s particularly effective for alleviating pain on the lateral side of the body and rib pain.
5. GB34 (Yang Mound Spring)
Location: On the outer side below the knee, in the small depression below the head of the fibula (calf bone)
How to locate: Slightly bend your leg and feel the outer side below your knee—the soft area below the bone is GB34.
Acupressure technique: Press with your thumb for 3-5 seconds, or apply deep pressure with a round massage stick. Alternate stimulating both legs.
Benefits: Known as “the meeting point of the Gallbladder,” it regulates qi flow throughout the body. It’s a remote acupoint that comprehensively improves pain around the sides and ribs, as well as fatigue.
5-Minute Self-Acupressure Routine
Setup: Perform this in a comfortable seated or lying position. It helps to apply a thin layer of warm oil to your fingers to reduce friction.
- BL17 — 1 minute
Simultaneously stimulate both sides of the spine with both thumbs. Press for 3-5 seconds × 8 repetitions - LV14 — 1 minute
Gently massage the side of the chest with your thumb. Repeat in circular motions 10 times - LV13 — 1 minute
Press deeply, holding for 3-5 seconds × 8 repetitions. Exhale slowly as you proceed - BL18 — 1 minute
Alternate stimulating both sides of the spine with both thumbs. Total of 10 repetitions - GB34 — 1 minute
Deeply press alternate calves × 8 repetitions each. Finish with gentle circular massage
Precautions: If you feel pain, reduce the pressure, and don’t hold your breath. Daily acupressure at the same time produces better results.
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